Robert Eckels describes his experiences as former Harris County judge. He discusses politics in Harris county and in the city of Houston, as well as his involvement in handling the influx of the evacuees from New Orleans during hurricane Katrina,...

Mayor Bill White Collection;Houston Oral History Project : a great city voices its past.

Attorneys at Law, Partner, 1960-61; Assistant Criminal District Attorney, 1961-61, U.S. Attorney, Harris County Judge.Served on the Constitutional Revision Commission for the State of Texas, and as Vice-Chairman of the Committee on the judiciary.

Dr. Nicolás Kanellos, a scholar whose expertise is the literature of the Hispanics in the United States, talks about the contributions of this minority group in all aspects of cultural life; his career as a scholar, college professor, and...

In this interview, former Houston Mayor Fred Hofheinz discusses the political scene in Houston during the 1970s; accomplishments during his administration as mayor of the city; African American community social and political aspects; minorities'...

John Biggers, a renown artist and professor at Texas Southern University, shares the highlights of his career. He established the art department at TSU and was one of the first African American artists to visit Africa.

Mr. Bobby Caldwell discusses his work as a lawyer in several civil rights cases, his work relationship with the Black Panther Party and the People's Party, and several life defining moments such as winning his first case, his first trial, and the...

Bill Lawson, a political activist and civil rights organizer examines his life as a religious leader, and his participation in racial desegregation efforts in the Houston communities during the Civil Rights Movement.

Mrs. Betty Lou Bayless was a fixture in the many volunteer and charitable organizations of Houston. In this interview, Bayless describes her time as the President of the Junior League, Board Trustee of the Houston Ballet Foundation, Founding...

Born in an industrial family in Galveston, Texas, had a large share in the development of the Imperial Sugar Company in Sugar Land, Texas, and the development of industries there. Also was involved in the cotton industry and US Bank

Bishop Wendelin Nold grew up in Texas and went to Rome to study theology from 1921 to 1925. He was appointed the Bishop of the Diocese of Galveston-Houston. He built 47 parishes, 14 missions, besides seminary and other institutions. He served under...

Reverend Arturo Fernandez began his urban ministry in Dallas, then later was transferred to Houston where he became minister of El Mesias United Methodist Church. In this interview, Reverend Fernandez shares his experiences setting up faith-based...

In his interview, Rev. William Lawson explains what he means by the "Black Church" and the role of the Church in the Black community, and their contributions. He was involved in the PUSH (People for the Upgrading of schools in Houston)

Richard Joel "Nick" Noriega was first elected to the Texas House of Representatives in 1998. Since then he has served 5 terms in this capacity. During hurricane Katrina Mayor Bill White requested his help to oversee the evacuee shelter operations...

Born and raised in Dallas, Texas, Raul DeAnda came to Houston in 1967. Having obtained a degree in Business Administration, DeAnda worked at several large companies. His interest in social work led him to get...

Born in San Antonio, Texas, Raul Castillo worked for the City of Houston in the Affirmative Division. His interest in the mass transit problems in Houston started in 1970, when he tried to delve into the problems of the metropolitan bus system....